Gov. Terry Branstad said more Iowans need to be educated about STEM -- or science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Branstad announced a new awareness campaign during his weekly news conference Monday. The goal is to educate students about these areas to make sure they are competitive with other states.

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Branstad said increasing interest in these educational areas is crucial.

"Indications are there is going to be a lot of growth in STEM jobs. Even today, we have STEM jobs that are going unfilled because we don't have people with the right skill set, so we're trying to change that," said Branstad.

The state will spend $150,000 on the campaign, which is being put on by West Des Moines marketing firm Strategic America. The firm is donating an additional $160,000 in time.